Divine lights illuminate Fussa
Basic Information
An overview of the Fussa Shinmeisha Shrine and its annual festival.
- Address: 1081 Fussa, Fussa City, Tokyo
- Phone Number: 042-551-4899
- Access: 5-minute walk from Fussa Station on the JR Ome Line
- Festival Days: September 19th, 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Fussa Shinmeisha Shrine Festival is a vibrant and lively event that attracts many visitors each year. The festival features a variety of traditional Japanese performances and activities, as well as food and games.
Mikoshi Procession
The highlight of the festival is the mikoshi procession, where a portable shrine is carried through the streets of Fussa. The mikoshi is decorated with colorful tapestries and streamers, and it is carried by a team of people. The procession is accompanied by music and dancing, and it creates a festive atmosphere.
Lion Dance
Another popular attraction at the festival is the lion dance. The lion dance is performed by two people, one wearing a lion head and the other wearing a lion body. The lion dances to the beat of a drum, and it is believed to bring good luck and fortune.
Kagura
Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance that is performed at Shinto shrines. The dance is performed by a group of people, and it tells stories from Japanese mythology. Kagura is a beautiful and graceful dance, and it is a popular attraction at the Fussa Shinmeisha Shrine Festival.
Food and Games
In addition to the traditional performances, the festival also features a variety of food and games. There are food stalls selling a variety of Japanese dishes, as well as games for children and adults. The festival is a great place to enjoy a day out with family and friends.
Blessings and Deities
The Fussa Shinmeisha Shrine is dedicated to seven deities, including Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess and the most important deity in the Shinto pantheon. Other deities enshrined at the shrine include Izanagi and Izanami, the creator gods, and Susanoo, the god of storms and the sea.
- Amaterasu Omikami: Sun goddess and the most important deity in Shinto
- Izanagi and Izanami: Creator gods
- Susanoo: God of storms and the sea
- Tsukuyomi: God of the moon
- Ukanomitama: Goddess of food and agriculture
- Ooyamatsumi: God of mountains
- 菅原道真: God of learning and scholarship
Origin and History
The Fussa Shinmeisha Shrine was founded in 1874 by combining seven local shrines into one. The shrine was built on a hill overlooking the city of Fussa, and it quickly became a popular place of worship. In 1972, the shrine was rebuilt and expanded, and it now includes a large honden (main hall) and a number of other buildings.
- Founded in 1874 by combining seven local shrines
- Built on a hill overlooking the city of Fussa
- Rebuilt and expanded in 1972
- Includes a large honden (main hall) and a number of other buildings
Tips and Notes for Visitors
If you are planning to visit the Fussa Shinmeisha Shrine, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- The shrine is open every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Admission is free.
- There is a parking lot available for visitors.
- The shrine is a popular place for weddings and other ceremonies, so it is best to avoid visiting during these times.
- If you are visiting the shrine during a festival, be sure to check the schedule of events in advance.
Parking Information
There is a parking lot available for visitors to the Fussa Shinmeisha Shrine. The parking lot is located next to the shrine, and it can accommodate up to 50 cars.
- Location: Next to the shrine
- Capacity: 50 cars
- Fee: Free
Popular Stalls and Food Carts in Recent Years
| Type of Stall | Description |
|---|---|
| Takoyaki | A staple at Japanese festivals. Characterized by a crispy outside and a creamy inside. |
| Jaga Butter | A simple yet popular snack of hot potatoes lavishly topped with melted butter. |
| Baby Castella | Small castella cakes, sweet and fluffy treats enjoyed by children and adults alike. |
| Grilled Ayu with Salt | Fresh ayu fish grilled whole with salt, a savory taste of Japanese summer. |
| Shaapin | A unique gourmet item influenced by foreign cuisine, with a chewy skin wrapping the filling. |
| Okonomiyaki | A Japanese grilled dish where you often choose your own ingredients for a personalized flavor. |
| Cotton Candy | A fluffy, sweet snack that’s extremely popular with children. |
| Chocolate Banana | A banana coated in chocolate, a fun and visually appealing dessert. |
| Kushiyaki | Various types of ingredients skewered and grilled, an easy-to-enjoy snack. |
| Yakisoba | Fried noodles mixed with a special sauce, a fast food favorite in Japan. |
